Code of practice for thin-walled tube sampling of soils

IS 2132 - Scope Summary & Key Specifications

• Scope: Covers procedures for undisturbed soil sampling using thin-walled tubes during boring operations.
• Data Recording: All field data during boring and sampling must be recorded as per Appendix A proforma.
• Key Data to Record (Clause 5.1 Proforma):
  • Borehole details: No., coordinates, drilling method, surface elevation.
  • Water level observations: groundwater, drilling water loss, excess pressure zones.
  • Sampling details: tube number, cleaning method, depth, penetration, sample length, evidence of disturbance.
  • Soil description: composition, color, structure, consistency.
• Reference Standards: Definitions per IS 2809-1972.
• Miscellaneous: Labels, data sheets, shipping containers as per Clause 3.5.

Example Data Fields for Sampling Record (Appendix A)

flowchart TD
    A[Boring Operation] --> B[Record Borehole Details]
    B --> C[Observe Water Levels]
    C --> D[Sampling Using Thin-Walled Tube]
    D --> E[Record Sampling Details]
    E --> F[Soil Description & Remarks]

This ensures comprehensive, standardized documentation for soil sampling as per IS 2132.

IS 2132 - References: Key Specifications & Data Recording

Clause 5.1 & Appendix A prescribe a detailed Proforma for Recording Observations during Undisturbed Soil Sampling using thin-walled tubes, including:

• Borehole and drilling details: coordinates, method, elevation, casing, driller.
• Water level observations: groundwater level, water loss, excess pressure zones, before/after casing insertion.
• Sampling operations: tube number, cleaning method, sampling date/time, penetration depth, sample length, evidence of slipping, soil description, and remarks.

Important Notes:

• The proforma is comprehensive but can be tailored to site-specific conditions.
• Some items may be omitted for open trial pit sampling, with direction of sampling noted.
• Definitions follow IS 2809-1972.

Summary Table for Sampling Data (Example):

Contact & Sales Offices:

• Regional and branch office contacts are listed for procurement and queries.

This detailed record-keeping ensures reliable soil data for foundation design and geotechnical analysis per IS 2132.

IS 2132 - Equipment and Materials: Key Points

1. Thin-Walled Tubes (Clause 3.3)

• Must conform to IS: 11594-1985.
• Materials: Stainless Steel or Copper.
• Used for undisturbed soil sampling.

2. Miscellaneous Items (Clause 3.5)

• Includes labels, data sheets, shipping containers.
• Ensure proper identification and protection of samples.

3. Data Recording & Sampling Proforma (Clause 5.1 & Appendix A)

• Detailed recording during boring and sampling is mandatory.
• Key recorded data include:
  • Borehole No., Coordinates, Drilling method, Surface elevation.
  • Water levels before/after casing, mud usage.
  • Sampling details: tube number, depth, penetration, sample length, soil description.
• Use the Proforma for systematic observation (see Appendix A).

Summary Table: Essential Sampling Data to Record

flowchart TD
    A[Start Boring] --> B[Record Borehole Details]
    B --> C[Measure Water Levels]
    C --> D[Insert Thin-Walled Tube]
    D --> E[Record Sampling Data]
    E --> F[Withdraw Sample & Describe Soil]
    F --> G[Label & Store Sample]
    G --> H[Complete Data Sheet]

References:

• IS 2132: Sampling of Soil - Standard procedures.
• IS 11594-1985: Specifications for Thin-Walled Tubes.
• IS 2809-1972: Definitions related to soil sampling.

This ensures consistent, reliable undisturbed soil sampling and data documentation.

IS 2132: Sampling Procedure - Key Points

• Sampling Tube Sizes: Restricted to 4 standard sizes based on indigenous availability (Clause 2.1).
• Sampler Head: Must conform to IS 11594-1985 (Clause 3.2).
• Use of Piston Sampler: Recommended for very loose saturated sandy, silty soils, and clays (see IS 10108-1982).
• Sampling Interval:
  • At every change in stratum or maximum 1.5 m intervals, whichever is less.
  • Intervals can increase to 3 m if vane shear or SPT tests are performed between samples (Clause 4.3.5).
• Timing of Sampling: Sampling should be done immediately after clean-out; avoid delay or overnight gaps (Clause 4.3.2).
• Rounding Off: Final test values must be rounded per IS 2-1960, retaining the same number of significant digits as specified (Clause 0.4).

Sampling Interval Summary Table

Reference Standards

• IS 11594-1985: Sampler head specifications
• IS 10108-1982: Piston sampler code of practice
• IS 2-1960: Rules for rounding numerical values

flowchart LR
    A[Start Sampling] --> B{Clean-out done?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Sample immediately]
    B -- No --> D[Delay not allowed]
    C --> E{Change in stratum?}
    E -- Yes --> F[Take sample]
    E -- No --> G{Distance < 1.5m?}
    G -- Yes --> H[Take sample]
    G -- No --> I{Vane shear/SPT done?}
    I -- Yes --> J[Interval up to 3m]
    I -- No --> K[Interval max 1.5m]

This ensures representative, undisturbed soil samples per IS 2132 procedures.

IS 2132: Key Points on Field Observations & Data Recording

Field Observations (Clause 4.3.6 & 4.3.3)

• Record water-table info:
  • Groundwater level
  • Elevations where drilling water lost
  • Elevations with excess water pressure
• Note:
  • Depth of borehole bottom below ground level (GL)
  • Penetration of sampling tube under its own weight + rods
  • Water level in borehole before/during/after casing use

Data Recording (Clause 5.1 & Appendix A Proforma)

• Use the proforma for undisturbed soil sampling including:
  • Project & borehole details (coordinates, drilling method, elevations)
  • Water level observations (before/after casing, mud use)
  • Sampling operations (tube number, cleaning method, penetration depth, sample length, recovery ratio, soil description)
• Affix labels on tubes with:
  • Tube no., job designation, sample location, boring no., sample no., penetration, gross recovery ratio

Important Parameters to Record

Sample Label Format (Clause 4.5.1)

Tube No.: _______
Job Designation: _______
Sample Location: _______
Boring No.: _______
Sample No.: _______
Penetration: _______ m
Gross Recovery Ratio: _______ %

flowchart TD
    A[Start Drilling] --> B[Record Surface Elevation]
    B --> C[Record Groundwater Level]
    C --> D[Lower Sampling Tube]
    D --> E[Note Penetration Depth & Water Level]
    E --> F[Withdraw Sample & Measure Recovery]
    F --> G[Label Sample Tube]
    G --> H[Fill Proforma with Observations]

IS 2132: Sample Handling, Sealing, and Shipping Key Points

1. Sample Preparation & Bedding (Clause 4.4 & 4.4.4)

• Samples must be kept in shade if stored onsite.
• Place samples on a bed of moist sand, jute bags, or sawdust.
• Cover the samples on top with the same moist bedding material.
• This moist bedding prevents moisture loss and preserves sample integrity during storage and shipment.

2. Labelling & Shipping (Clauses 4.5 & 3.5)

• Each sample container must have clear labels indicating:
  • Sample ID
  • Date/time of collection
  • Location
  • Other relevant data sheets
• Use sealed, sturdy shipping containers to prevent damage or contamination.
• Shipping containers should maintain sample conditions (e.g., moisture, temperature).

3. Sealing

• Samples must be sealed immediately after collection to avoid contamination or moisture loss.
• Use airtight seals or caps as per sample type.

Summary Table:

flowchart LR
    A[Sample Collection] --> B[Immediate Sealing]
    B --> C[Place on Moist Bedding]
    C --> D[Cover with Moist Bedding]
    D --> E[Label Sample Container]
    E --> F[Pack in Sturdy Shipping Container]
    F --> G[Ship Maintaining Conditions]

This ensures sample integrity from collection to testing per IS 2132 standards.

IS 2132 Reporting: Key Specifications & Pro Forma

1. Data Recording (Clause 5.1 & Appendix A)

• All boring and sampling data must be recorded in the field using the detailed pro forma.
• The pro forma includes:
  • Project & borehole details (coordinates, drilling method, elevations)
  • Water level observations (before/after casing, excess pressure, mud use)
  • Sampling operations (tube number, cleaning method, sampling depth/time)
  • Sample details (penetration, method of pushing, length, recovery, soil description)
  • Remarks and special observations

2. Labeling (Clause 4.5.1)

Labels on sample tubes must include:

• Tube number
• Job designation
• Sample location
• Boring number
• Sample number
• Penetration depth
• Gross recovery ratio

3. Gross Recovery Ratio (GRR)

[ \text{GRR} = \frac{\text{Length of Soil Sample Recovered}}{\text{Length of Tube Penetration}} \times 100% ]

4. Summary Table for Reporting Items

5. Purpose

• Ensures uniform, comprehensive documentation for soil sampling.
• Facilitates traceability and quality control in geotechnical investigations.

flowchart TD
    A[Start Boring] --> B[Record Borehole Details]
    B --> C[Observe Water Levels]
    C --> D[Perform Sampling]
    D --> E[Record Sampling Data]
    E --> F[Label Sample Tubes]
    F --> G[Prepare Report]
    G --> H[Submit & Archive]

Use this framework to ensure compliance with IS 2132 reporting requirements.

IS 2132: Proforma for Record of Observations (Key Points & Format)

1. Field Observations (Clause 4.3.6)

• Record water-table info: groundwater level, elevations of lost drilling water, and excess pressure water zones.
• Note time-related changes during sampling.

2. Reporting Data (Clause 5.1 & Appendix A)

• All boring and sampling data must be recorded in the field using a standard proforma.

3. Proforma Sections (Summary)

4. Labels on Tubes (Clause 4.5.1)

• Tube No.
• Job designation
• Sample location
• Boring No.
• Sample No.
• Penetration depth
• Gross recovery ratio

5. Example Table for Sampling Details

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Borehole Drilling] --> B[Record Water Levels]
    B --> C[Sampling Preparation]
    C --> D[Insert Sampling Tube]
    D --> E[Record Sampling Details]
    E --> F[Label Sample Tubes]
    F --> G[Complete Field Log]

Summary: Use the detailed proforma to comprehensively log all drilling and sampling observations, especially water levels and sample